Vatican City, Mar 7, 2012 / 11:15 am
The constant noise that accompanies modern life is an enemy of God’s word being heard in prayer, Pope Benedict XVI said.
“Interior and exterior silence are necessary in order to hear that Word,” and yet, “our age does not, in fact, favor reflection and contemplation,” the Pope said March 7. On the contrary, “it seems that people are afraid to detach themselves, even for an instant, from the spate of words and images which mark and fill our days.”
The Pope was addressing over 10,000 pilgrims who gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his Wednesday general audience. This was the first audience of the year held in the open air. It was also the last in the Pope’s series of catecheses on the personal prayer of Jesus.
Today, his particular focus was on Christ’s silence on the cross, as well as the need for silence in our own prayer.